Retail sales barely up in January

Manitoba’s retail sector coasted through January, with sales up only a sliver from the previous month, according to new seasonally adjusted data released today.

Statistics Canada said Manitoba’s retailers rang up $1.379 billion worth of sales during the month. That was only 0.1 per cent higher than December’s total of $1.378 billion.

The gain was the smallest among the six provinces that saw an improvement in sales Quebec led the way with a 2.1 per cent increase.

Although Manitoba’s sales total was an improvement from the previous month, it fell 1.2 per cent short of January 2012’s tally of just under $1.4 billion. It was one of five provinces to post a year-over-year decline in retail-sales activity.

Nationally, Canada’s retail industry saw its sales climb by one per cent to $38.9 billion from $38.6 billion in December. However, the January total was down slightly — 0.1 per cent — from a year earlier, when Canadian retailers posted just under $39 billion worth of sales.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.